Legal Definitions - personal wrong

A personal wrong refers to an injury, harm, or violation inflicted upon an individual, rather than a transgression against society as a whole. These wrongs typically fall under civil law, allowing the injured party (often called the plaintiff) to seek legal remedies, such as monetary compensation, from the party responsible for the harm (the defendant). Unlike criminal offenses, which are prosecuted by the state to punish wrongdoers and maintain public order, personal wrongs are private disputes where the focus is on making the injured individual whole again for the specific harm they suffered.

• Example 1: Negligent Driving

  Scenario: While driving, Alex is struck by another driver, Ben, who was texting and failed to stop at a red light. Alex suffers a broken leg, significant damage to their car, and incurs substantial medical bills and lost wages.

  Explanation: Ben's negligent driving constitutes a personal wrong against Alex. His failure to drive safely directly caused physical injury, financial loss, and property damage to Alex. In this situation, Alex could file a civil lawsuit against Ben to recover compensation for their medical expenses, car repairs, lost income, and pain and suffering. This is a private dispute aimed at compensating Alex for the specific harm they endured due to Ben's actions.

• Example 2: Defamation

  Scenario: A local newspaper publishes an article falsely accusing Dr. Chen, a respected surgeon, of medical malpractice, knowing the claims are untrue. As a result, Dr. Chen's professional reputation is severely damaged, leading to a significant loss of patients and income.

  Explanation: The newspaper's publication of false and damaging information constitutes a personal wrong against Dr. Chen in the form of defamation (specifically, libel, as it was written). By harming Dr. Chen's professional standing and causing financial losses, the newspaper committed a wrong directly impacting an individual. Dr. Chen could sue the newspaper to seek compensation for the damage to her reputation and her financial losses.

• Example 3: Trespass to Land

  Scenario: Sarah discovers that her neighbor, David, has repeatedly driven his ATV across a corner of her private property to access a shortcut, despite clear "No Trespassing" signs she had posted.

  Explanation: David's unauthorized entry onto Sarah's land is a personal wrong known as trespass. Even if no physical damage occurred, his actions violated Sarah's exclusive right to possess and control her property. Sarah could pursue a civil claim against David to stop the trespassing and potentially seek nominal damages for the infringement of her property rights, demonstrating a wrong that directly impacts an individual's ownership and enjoyment of their private property.